The Illinois EPA recently expanded their accreditation program to include additional parameters and fields of testing. The IEPA program successfully meets all of the requirements for the NELAP accreditation.

Our accreditation required an extensive audit by the IEPA.  Our Quality Assurance Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Method Detection Limit Studies (MDLs) and Initial Demonstration of Capability Reports (IDC) were audited for compliance.  An on-site audit consisted of two auditors reviewing our quality systems and procedures over a 3-day period.

The IEPA program is compliant with the current rules and regulations established by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC).  NELAC is an association of state and federal agencies whose purpose is to establish and promote nationally accepted performance standards for laboratories.  Specific standards exist for the program policy and structure, the accreditation process, on-site assessment, proficiency testing, the quality systems and the accrediting authorities.

The IEPA, acting as the accrediting authority, will continue to conduct on-site audits, reviews of on-going proficiency testing, and other quality systems monitoring as required by NELAP.  This NELAP accreditation will permit our laboratory to obtain reciprocal accreditation in other states that accept and adhere to the rules and regulations established by NELAC.

This is another example of the high quality and service that you have come to expect from First Environmental!  If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us at 630-778-1200.  Additional information regarding NELAC can be found on their web site at www.epa.gov/nelac 

Our Accreditation number is 100292.  Click here* for a copy of our Certificate of Approval.  Click here* for a detailed listing of our accredited methods and analyses.